GCC Travel Blog

Dubai Tourism Hits Record 18 Million Visitors in 2024 — And Why 2025 Looks Even Better

Dubai has once again cemented its position as the world's most visited city, welcoming a record-breaking 18.7 million international tourists in 2024, according to data released by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This surpasses pre-pandemic peaks and marks a 9% year-on-year growth — a figure that has travel agencies and airlines across the region buzzing with optimism.

What's Driving Dubai's Tourism Boom?

Several key factors have contributed to this dramatic surge:

• Visa-on-arrival expansion: The UAE now offers visa-on-arrival or e-visa facilities to citizens of over 180 countries, making access seamless for travellers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
• World-class events: Dubai 2024 hosted over 4,000 major events including the Dubai Airshow, Dubai Shopping Festival, and numerous global concerts and sporting championships.
• Expo City legacy: The Expo 2020 venue continues to drive tourism with year-round exhibitions, tech showcases, and family attractions.
• Luxury hospitality expansion: Over 20 new 5-star hotels opened in Dubai in 2024, including properties along Dubai Creek Harbour and Palm Jumeirah.

Popular Indian Traveller Routes to Dubai

India remains the single largest source market for Dubai tourism, with Calicut (Kozhikode), Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram among the busiest departure points. Airlines like Emirates, Air Arabia, IndiGo, and Air India offer multiple daily connections. GS Travels regularly secures competitive fares for Kerala-based travellers on these high-demand routes.

What Should You See in Dubai in 2025?

For 2025 visitors, don't miss the new Museum of the Future extension, the newly opened Dubai Hills Mall expansion, and the spectacular Ain Dubai — the world's largest observation wheel. For families, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Legoland Dubai continue to be favourites. And of course, the Burj Khalifa sunset view remains absolutely unmissable for first-timers.

Saudi Arabia Expands Umrah Capacity for 2025: Everything Indian Pilgrims Need to Know

In a landmark announcement that has delighted millions of Muslims across South Asia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed in late 2024 that Umrah quotas will be significantly expanded in 2025, with particular facilitation for pilgrims from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Key Changes for 2025 Umrah Season

Here are the most important updates for pilgrims planning Umrah in 2025:

• Nusuk App Integration: The Saudi government's Nusuk app is now mandatory for all pilgrims. It handles slot booking, accommodation registration, and real-time updates at the Haram. GS Travels assists all clients with Nusuk registration as part of the package.
• Expanded e-Visa for Umrah: The Umrah e-visa can now be applied from India with a significantly reduced wait time — often issued within 24–48 hours for approved applicants.
• Year-round Umrah capacity: Saudi Arabia has announced infrastructure upgrades at Masjid Al-Haram allowing year-round Umrah performance without quota restrictions for most nationalities.
• Direct India-Madinah flights: IndiGo and Air India Express have expanded their direct routes to Madinah from Kochi, Calicut, and Hyderabad — reducing travel time and connection hassles.

What Does a Complete Umrah Package Include?

A well-planned Umrah package from a reputable agency like GS Travels typically includes: Saudi Umrah visa processing, return airfare, accommodation in Makkah (proximity to Haram: 50m–500m options), Madinah hotel stay, Haram–hotel transport, Ziyarat (Islamic site visits), and 24/7 local support.

When Is the Best Time for Umrah from India?

While Umrah can be performed year-round, the most comfortable months from a climate perspective are October through February. Ramadan Umrah remains spiritually the most rewarding but also the most crowded — advance booking of 3–6 months is essential for Ramadan packages.

Why Oman Is 2025's Most Underrated Travel Destination for Indian Visitors

While Dubai and Saudi Arabia dominate the GCC travel conversation, the Sultanate of Oman has been quietly building one of the Gulf's most compelling tourism offerings — and 2025 is the year smart travellers will take notice. Travel publications including Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have listed Oman among their top destinations for 2025, and it's not hard to see why.

Oman's New Tourism Visa Policy Makes It Easier Than Ever

Effective 2024, Indian passport holders can obtain an Oman e-visa within 24–48 hours with minimal documentation — just a passport copy, photo, and travel itinerary. Return visitors and those visiting for tourism can now enjoy 10-year multi-entry visas, making repeat visits far more practical.

Top Unmissable Experiences in Oman

• Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid: Crystal-clear naturally fed freshwater pools surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. Absolutely stunning and unlike anything in the wider GCC region.
• The Royal Opera House, Muscat: One of the Arab world's finest cultural venues, hosting international opera, ballet, and classical music performances.
• Musandam Fjords (the 'Norway of Arabia'): Dramatic fjord landscapes accessible by speedboat from Khasab. A bucket-list experience.
• Nizwa Fort and Souk: A perfectly preserved 17th-century Islamic fort beside one of Oman's most atmospheric traditional markets.
• Wahiba Sands Desert Camp: Spend a night under the stars in a luxury Bedouin camp in the heart of an authentic Arabian desert.

Flights from Kerala to Oman

Calicut International Airport and Kochi Airport both offer direct flights to Muscat through Oman Air, Air Arabia Oman, and IndiGo with flight times of just 2.5–3 hours. This makes Oman one of the easiest GCC destinations to reach from Kerala — often cheaper than Dubai or Riyadh.

Complete GCC Visa Guide for Indian Travellers in 2025: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar & More

Navigating visa requirements across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries can be complex — different rules, different processing times, different document requirements. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what Indian passport holders need to know before booking their GCC travel in 2025.

UAE (Dubai / Abu Dhabi) Visa

The UAE offers one of the most straightforward visa processes for Indian travellers. Options include:

• 30-day single entry tourist visa: Apply online via ICP website or through a registered travel agency. Processing: 3–5 business days.
• 60-day multiple entry visa: Ideal for frequent visitors or business travellers. Apply 2–3 weeks in advance.
• Visa on arrival: Indians holding a valid US visa, UK visa, or Schengen visa may qualify for visa-on-arrival at UAE airports. Confirm eligibility before travel.

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa

Saudi Arabia opened for tourism visas in 2019 and has significantly expanded eligibility since. Indians can now apply for a 90-day multi-entry tourist visa online through the Sharek portal or Nusuk app. The e-visa is typically issued within 24 hours for eligible applicants. Note that Umrah visa and tourist visa are separate — confirm with your travel agency which applies to your trip.

Qatar Tourist Visa

Indian nationals can obtain a 30-day Qatar visa on arrival at Hamad International Airport if they hold a valid UK, US, EU, or Australian visa. Otherwise, a Qatar e-visa can be applied for online with a typical processing time of 3–5 working days. A confirmed hotel booking and return ticket are required.

Oman e-Visa

Available online through the Royal Oman Police portal. Indians can obtain a 30-day single entry visa or a 10-year multi-entry visa. Processing time: 24–48 hours. Straightforward documentation required.

Bahrain & Kuwait

Bahrain offers e-visa for Indians with processing times of 3–5 business days. Kuwait currently requires a visa from the embassy, with processing times of 7–14 business days - plan accordingly for Kuwait travel.

Qatar 2025: Doha's Biggest Cultural Events, New Hotels & Why It's More Than Just a Stopover

For years, Doha was considered a mere transit hub — the city you pass through on your way to Europe or South America. But Qatar has rapidly reinvented itself as a premier destination in its own right, and 2025 brings an exciting calendar of events, new hospitality openings, and cultural experiences that make it worth staying for.

Qatar's Major Events Calendar for 2025

• Qatar International Food Festival (March 2025): A celebration of global and Qatari cuisine across Katara Cultural Village with live cooking demos, food markets, and entertainment.
• Qatar National Day experiences (December 2025): The spectacular National Day parade and Corniche fireworks display — one of the Gulf's most impressive public celebrations.
• Katara Cultural Village events: Year-round art exhibitions, theatre performances, and outdoor cinema events at Qatar's premier cultural hub.
• Doha Shopping Festival: Major sales and offers across Doha's malls from January through February, attracting bargain-hunting travellers from across the region.

New Hotel Openings in Doha 2025

Qatar continues its luxury hospitality expansion with several notable openings in 2025 including the Four Seasons Doha expansion, new properties at Qetaifan Island North (the upcoming water park island), and boutique offerings at the UNESCO-protected Al Zubarah archaeological site. Budget and mid-range options have also improved significantly with international chains expanding to Doha's Lusail and West Bay areas.

Must-See Attractions in Doha

No visit to Doha is complete without the Museum of Islamic Art (I.M. Pei's masterpiece on the Corniche), the labyrinthine Souq Waqif for traditional goods and shisha, the National Museum of Qatar shaped like a desert rose, and a dhow cruise along the Doha Corniche at sunset. For F&B, the Pearl-Qatar island offers some of the Gulf's finest waterfront dining.

Getting to Doha from India: Qatar Airways Direct Routes

Qatar Airways operates direct flights to Doha (Hamad International Airport) from over 10 Indian cities including Calicut, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. With Hamad Airport repeatedly voted the world's best, your journey begins the moment you land. Flight time from Calicut to Doha: approximately 3 hours.